Amanda Beard is a seven-time Olympic medalist (two gold, four silver, one bronze). She is a former world record holder in the 200-meter breaststroke (long course). Beard's success has earned her the American Swimmer of the Year Award twice. She won a total of twenty-one medals in major international competitions.
Beard released an autobiography on April 3, 2012, entitled In the Water They Can't See You Cry: A Memoir. She explains the title's significance as the sensation of putting her face in the water while swimming to hide any tears she shed into her goggles. Amanda has been an outspoken advocate for mental health issues and spoken to numerous groups on a variety of subjects.
